Man Going To Prison For Molesting Girls

ISLE OF WIGHT — A Windsor area man was sentenced to 20 years in state prison Wednesday for sexually molesting three young girls he was baby-sitting.

William B. Martin, 31, had pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual battery. As part of the plea arrangement, Martin received suspended sentences on two of the three counts.

In imposing the maximum sentence for one count, Circuit Judge Westbrook J. Parker said he was bothered by the fact that Martin has never admitted that he committed the crimes and never accepted the need for counseling.

"That's what disturbs me a great deal," Parker said.

Martin has also been reluctant to pay for the victims' counseling, Parker said. The judge was also concerned that the molestation might affect the victims for the rest of their lives.

At his trial, Martin said he pleaded guilty because it was in his best interest to do so, not because he was guilty.

The charges stemmed from a March 13 incident that occurred after Martin was left watching the girls, all under the age of 7, in their parents' home.

Commonwealth's Attorney W. Parker Councill said he agreed to the plea arrangement to spare the young girls from testifying in court. Councill urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.

Martin also received two 10-year suspended sentences. He will be on probation for 20 years after his release and must pay the costs of counseling for the girls.

In other matters before the court Wednesday:

*Raymond Liggins, 26, of the first block of Gateway Drive, Smithfield, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with six suspended, for selling $50 worth of cocaine to an undercover policeman in February.

Liggins had contended he didn't have anything to do with the sale, which took place at his brother's house.

But Judge Parker said, in imposing the sentence, "I intend to protect the citizens of Isle of Wight County from the distribution of drugs, if I possibly can."

*A 21-year old Hampton man pleaded guilty to burglarizing a Smithfield gun shop and stealing five pistols and two rifles in April.

Under a plea agreement, McArthur Davis Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny and one count of breaking and entering. Davis faces a maximum 20 years in prison. He will be sentenced after a background report is completed.